Writing a Topic Sentence

Narrow your topicFocus on one idea

Main Idea or Controlling Idea

The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. Occasionally, it may be found in the body of the paragraph or it may be the last sentence. No matter where it is, it is the main idea or controlling idea. It is the one sentence that tells the reader what you are writing about.

The purpose of a topic sentence is to tell the reader a general statement about a topic.

Let’s look at a topic for a paragraph: First think about a narrow topic. Let’s take the topic

Communication. It is too broad; it needs to be limited. Communicating by cell phone is a more limited topic.

Then decide what you want to say about the topic. This will be your limited or controlling idea.  Communicating by cell phone is very convenient. This example tells the reader the point you want to make.

To write a topic sentence start by stating a limited topic, then state a specific opinion or argument.

Here are a few examples: The television show Criminal Minds is very

captivating. Texting is a more convenient means of

communication than telephoning. Opening a savings account is the easiest and fastest

way to ensure future financial stability.

Here are some topics you can try to limit:

The local park Preparing for College Photography

Your Turn

Now, ask yourself what point you want to convey. Then provide a specific idea that you could write about.

Remember the narrower your topic the easier it will be to write topic sentences.

The Assignment Having a topic sentence makes it easier for

you to write. More importantly the topic sentence makes it easier for the reader to understand the point you are trying to get across.

You will write a responses (50-150 words) based on a picture prompt. 

The goal of writing is to make a point and then support it in your paragraph. 

Each topic sentence is followed by the topic and controlling idea.  Note the controlling idea makes the topic much narrower. 

Please read the two topic sentences about "Oscar".

Example Topic SentencesI'll never forget the events that occurred the first

night Oscar moved into our apartment. Topic: the first night

Controlling Idea: the events that took place.  You should list three or four in your paragraph.

This topic sentence introduces the idea of a short story about the events of a particularly memorable night. 

Oscar is now well accustomed to the routine of getting dressed.

Topic: getting dressedControlling Idea: the routine of getting dressed. You should sequence steps involved when you write your paragraph.

This topic sentence introduces a description of the process of Oscar getting dressed. 

Directions:  Please write one possible topic sentence for each of the

three photos below. Topic:

Controlling Idea:

Combine the two into a complete sentence: 

Post your examples

Your objective is to write one possible topic sentence for each of the three photos below. What would you write about?  Write three TOPIC SENTENCES, one for each of the following photos.

Peer Editing Submit your topic

sentence to the discussion forum.

Keep the rubric in mind as you evaluate and revise your work:

Respond to at least three classmates

Score 4 Topic sentence is very clear.Score 3 Topic sentence is somewhat clear. Score 2 Topic sentence is mostly unclear.Score 1 Topic sentence is unclear/confusing.